Schools across parts of northern England have been advised that some pupils' artwork and classroom activities could be considered blasphemous under Islamic teachings, according to a guidance document. The guidance, titled 'Sharing The Journey', was first issued in 2022 by several councils including Leeds, Calderdale, Oldham, and Wakefield, as stated in the document. It has been distributed to teachers to help them show sensitivity and awareness around faiths and beliefs in the classroom, the guidance notes.
The guidance encourages schools to adopt a flexible approach to religious differences and recognizes that some Muslim families may have concerns about elements of subjects including art, music, drama, and physical education, it states. It warns that certain forms of imagery could conflict with Islamic beliefs, noting that Islamic civilization has a rich artistic tradition but that 'a three-dimensional imagery of humans is considered idolatrous by some Muslims,' according to the document. ' The guidance has been circulated to several schools, including those within the local authority area of Kirklees, where Batley Grammar School is located, the document indicates.
A three-dimensional imagery of humans is considered idolatrous by some Muslims.
Batley Grammar School was at the centre of a major controversy in 2021 when a religious studies teacher was suspended and forced into hiding after showing pupils a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed during a lesson, as reported in news sources. The guidance also includes advice on teaching music, noting that traditional Islamic practice often limits music to the human voice and certain percussion instruments, it states. It observes that 'there is a diversity of opinion regarding music amongst Muslims' and advises that schools should ensure that pupils are not asked to take part in songs that conflict with their religious beliefs, according to the guidance.
Teachers are advised to consider potential sensitivities during drama lessons, with the guidance stating that pupils should not be required to play roles that may compromise their faith. It notes there may be concerns about physical contact between male and female students or performances considered immodest. The publication also highlights religious considerations for other faith groups, including dietary requirements for Jewish, Hindu, and Sikh pupils, as well as guidance around fasting and other religious practices observed by groups such as Rastafarians, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses, it states.
It is very important that the school understands this and is also careful not to ask its students to reproduce images of Jesus, Prophet Mohammed or other figures considered to be prophets in Islam.
It is not known how many schools have received or implemented the guidance, nor what specific incidents or complaints prompted its issuance. The response from parents, teachers, and religious groups to this guidance has not been detailed in available reports. The guidance aims to help educators navigate religious diversity while maintaining educational standards.